Moving towards the light...

At present, Japanese society faces various issues triggered by a declining birthrate, and the environment of obstetrics and gynecology hospitals has been changing drastically in recent years. The new Minamigaoka Clinic is an example of this.

The architects decided on a design direction fully dominated by light. The glass screen of the entrance changes its expression of daylight depending on the changing time of a day or season, serving as a kindly welcome for visitors. Medical equipment is organised into zones; a zone each for an outpatient clinic and an inpatient clinic; while delivery functions are allocated in a simple 34m x 10m box.

A simple, rational and environmentally friendly design was prioritised in order to deal with the relatively high cost of construction. In contrast with the exterior, the interior space utilises natural materials very effectively, aiming to create the kind of peaceful space where it is comfortable to spend time